Gotō, Nagasaki

Gotō 五島市
City
Douzaki Church
Flag
Location of Gotō in Nagasaki Prefecture
Gotō Location in Japan
Coordinates: 32°42′N 128°50′E / 32.700°N 128.833°E / 32.700; 128.833Coordinates: 32°42′N 128°50′E / 32.700°N 128.833°E / 32.700; 128.833
Country	Japan
Region	Kyushu
Prefecture	Nagasaki Prefecture
Government
• Mayor	Ikuko Nakao (since September 2004)
Area
• Total	420.81 km2 (162.48 sq mi)
Population (January 1, 2009)
• Total	41,657
• Density	99/km2 (260/sq mi)
Symbols
• Tree	Ficus superba
• Flower	Crinum asiaticum
• Bird	Japanese white-eye
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City Hall Address	853-8501
Website	www3.city.goto.nagasaki.jp

Gotō (五島市, Gotō-shi) is a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. It comprises the south-west half of the Gotō Islands in the East China Sea, some 100 kilometers from Nagasaki. The city consists of 11 inhabited and 52 uninhabited islands. The three main islands of the city are Fukue, Hisaka, and Naru.

As of January 1, 2009, the city has an estimated population of 41,657 and a population density of 99 persons per km². The total area is 420.81 km².

History

The area now comprising Gotō City was a port of call on the trade route between Japan and Tang Dynasty China in the Nara period. Noted Buddhist prelate Kukai stopped at Gotō in 806. The islands came under the control of the Gotō clan from the Muromachi period and was the location of intense European missionary activity in the late 16th century, which converted most of the population to the Kirishitan faith. After the start of the Tokugawa bakufu, the area was part of Fukue Domain in the Edo period. Fukue City was established in 1954. Most of the town was destroyed in a fire in 1962.

The modern city of Gotō was established on August 1, 2004, from the merger of the city of Fukue with the towns of Kishiku, Miiraku, Naru, Tamanoura and Tomie (all from Minamimatsuura District). The population of the area has declined from over 60,000 inhabitants in 1980 due to economic migration and aging population issues.

Climate

Gotō has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is high throughout the year, and is heavy from April to September.

Events

Gotō used to host the Ironman Japan Triathlon.^[2] The triathlon was established in 2001, and the event was canceled in 2010. Ironman chose not to renew the race for 2011. The city now hosts the Goto Nagasko International Triathlon using the same course for the previous Ironman event. www.gototri.com

In late summer there is the Bon festival where people gather in the main area of Fukue and hold a parade along with street vendors. The parade features various floats all of which are lit up at night and walked through the town. At the end there is a beautiful firework show. Many people get drunk during this festival and regret their actions the next day.

In winter there is Hettomotto, also known as the 'naked man race'. Participants run along a course in a fundoshi.

Transportation

Gotō-Fukue Airport on Fukue serves the city.^[3] It was established in 1963 to serve as a regional airport.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gotō, Nagasaki.

• Gotō City official website (Japanese)

Nagasaki Prefecture Cities Gotō Hirado Iki Isahaya Matsuura Minamishimabara Nagasaki (capital) Ōmura Saikai Sasebo Shimabara Tsushima Unzen Higashisonogi District Hasami Higashisonogi Kawatana Kitamatsuura District Ojika Saza Minamimatsuura District Shinkamigotō Nishisonogi District Nagayo Togitsu Subprefecture Tsushima